Gourde suspended 2 games for charging Ekholm

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde two games on Friday for charging Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm.

Gourde, who delivered the hit on Ekholm with 3:34 remaining in the third period of Thursday's game, was assessed a five-minute major on the play.

yanni gourde's night is done for this hit on mattias ekholm. pic.twitter.com/Q4VPgH45rq

- zach (@zjlaing) January 19, 2024

Oilers superstar Connor McDavid had an exchange with Gourde just prior to the hit.

McDavid scared to drop the gloves with Yanni Gourde so instead Gourde takes a run at Elkholm. This is what happens when McDavid tries to agitate other players all game and isn't willing to answer for his actions. McDavid with a slashing and roughing penalty prior to this pic.twitter.com/664fbDNnl6

- Dennis Wideman (@widemanden) January 19, 2024

Gourde was suspended two games in March 2019 for an illegal check to the head of Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal.

The 32-year-old has seven goals and 19 points in 45 games this season.

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